DVDActive uses cookies to remember your actions, such as your answer in the poll. Cookies are
also used by third-parties for statistics, social media and advertising. By using this website, it is
assumed that you agree to this.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (US - DVD R1 | BD RA)

Sony sends over revised and highres art for the new 30th Anniversary release

Title: Close Encounters of the Third Kind (IMDb)Starring: Richard DreyfussReleased: 13th November 2007SRP: $39.95 & $49.95

Further Details:
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced the upcoming release of Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition for 13th November. This package will be released on DVD and Blu-ray formats containing three seamless branched versions of the film, from the first ever home video release of the original theatrical cut, and the re-edited 1980 special edition, to Spielberg's definitive director's cut as featured on the 1998 collector's edition. In terms of special features, both the DVD and Blu-ray releases will offer a new interview with Stephen Spielberg talking about the film, and a 'making-of' retrospective documentary. The Blu-ray Disc will also provide: a new storyboard-to-screen comparison, a 'Watch the Skies' featurette from 1977 and the original theatrical preview. The artwork is attached below:

Advertisements

Comments

Reply

Message

Enter the message here then press submit. The username, password and message are required. Please make the message constructive, you are fully responsible for the legality of anything you contribute. Terms & conditions apply.

The price as dropped to an even “closer encounter” £16.00 which is just about right!

The scene where the U.F.O. beams the blinding bright hot light over Roy’s company truck looks better more like what it should where the PAL laserdisc and other early region 2 DVD exhibited over bright image or poor brightness/contrast/colour balance with (green casting out on the edges of the whites) now looks perfect and why they just couldn’t do this years ago…

The only other benefit is the wonderful six-track Dolby stereoTrue yes! This classic gets played on the multi x17 JBL speakers in six Dolby stereo as it was intend! dtsHDMA won’t be used here!

At least Columbia/Sony came to there senses in given fair consumer choice to chose original Dolby or dts, which Spielberg partly supported or helped to finance during Jurassic Park, anyway another of dinosaurs.

The rest of the image looks fine on my Panasonic 32” CRT widescreen, I can’t be asked to watch this on LCD video projector 1080i only. I’ve seen this projected in the cinema three times.

The rare use dialogue panning now and then makes the film look and sound even more fantastic.

John Williams score is simply out of this world. How he selects the musical tone that seems to fit almost all of Steve’s films so perfectly.

Take 01:22:42 the horns and pitching and bending of musical sounds though a synthesizer gives the scene, an eerie mystery of all these people with the same sunburn.

flyerboy: It's blu-ray, not blue ray, and while you might say "f**k blu-ray", I'll be more than happy to watch this classic in 1080p resolution with exclusive HD extras while you're stuck at 480p. Enjoy.

If only every one knew Stevie like I do...my uncle was a marginal investor in an indie UFO film called FOES. They were trying to find a distributor at the time CE3K came out.. In effect, SS sued or used his influence to bully distributors to keep this and all other films of a similar subject out of the theaters, on what grounds, except fear of competition im not sure. My memory is hazy after 30 years but thats the jist of it. The film was made, surpressed, then dissappeared.

a real nice guy

The producers went bankrupt, finding no distributors, the director went on to do SPFX work. Not a bad little UFO with a terror twist film vs CE3K benign aliens. Very indie, but with good effects. I note my review with similar content was removed from iMDb, as will likely be here.

HAHA, it looks like someone over at Sony Pictures read Ardvark's post about the standard DVD edition not actually giving away the scale of the mothership and went "Oh yeah?! Let's see how they like THIS cover!" LMAO I've never been so happy to buy a Blu-Ray in my life. And as for the earlier posts about the price being ridiculous, I disagree. You're getting THREE versions of a great film, two of which have never been available on any disc format before. Personally, I thought the price of the "Blade Runner" set ridiculously LOW (not that I'm complaining). When you're average Blu-Ray retails for around $30, I don't think $50 is too much to ask when you're getting three versions, awesome packaging, and a really great film. You want stupid pricing? How about this same price point for "Spider-Man 3"? Now THAT'S crazy!

Da B-Meister...sorry that was your experience. I saw it as a young teenager on the big screen (where most movies like this belong ) and it's sense of mystery and wonder, along with it's fantastical imagery and effects, wrapped up in John William's glorious score, was one of the best movie-going experiences of my life. I still don't like the 'end reveal' being put on this latest DVD release...but that NEW final artwork is fantastic with it's heightened colours, and really does the epic visuals justice.

I'm sure for its time it was good, but when I recently rented Close Encounters (never having really seen it before), I found myself bored to tears. Bad acting, incredibly bland storyline, marginal special effects.....there isn't really much here to like.

Another ploy to make me buy a Blu-ray player? Think I'll stick with the (2-disc) Collector's Edition which included the del scenes and the 1997 docu (as well as the 102 minute retrospective) for the time-being.

Yeah, I just checked this out there, and it's great to see the change to the somewhat original imagery of the 'theatrical poster' being used for the Blu-ray... If only ALL movies released on DVDs had original poster artwork...but this release has just climbed my own personal 'want list' EVEN more now...

On reflection...I also happen to like the 'Mothership' artwork on the POSTER the best of all...and wish that one had been used, seeing as they didn't choose the original theatrical release poster... Oh, and Harry Potter...Universal shall be along shortly, whether they like it or not...

I don't know about this. I'm perfectly happy with the collector's edition I bought a few years ago. The only thing that this version could have that would make me buy it would be a commentary from Steven Spielberg. And since he seems to like being a douche by not ever doing a commentary, I won't be picking this up.

To be honest, I think this DVD (the DVD, not the Blu-ray) is less guilty of revealing the mothership than all other versions released previously.

It gives no idea of the scale of the thing, and if they keep the color-scheme as red as it is, you might even argue they're showing one of the smaller ships instead of the big porcupine. If this picture is all you see before putting in the disc, the final reveal will be awesome as always.

I saw it on VHS twenty years ago and when it happened I went "Holy sh...".

I kinda think that's the point. Which way do we all swing with the super-dooper Blade Runner set? The other major releases on Bluray, around the same time, are pushing me to choose Bluray. Once I do make an HD choice, that's pretty much it, cos I can't afford two machines!

According to IMDB: "An ABC television version aired that ran 143 minutes. It incorporated all the scenes from the O.V. as well as all the new scenes from the S.E. This version has never been released to video."

Now THAT'S the one I'd like to see.

yankeemike81 wrote: wow this blade runner pirates 3 and spiderman 3 rattatouie im sure will be out on blu ray i think blu ray may be offically anounced the winner after the hollidays are done I'm not disagreeing with your assessment, but to be fair, Blade Runner is also coming out on HD DVD.

Gabriel wrote: Hmm. So Spielberg (who notoriously exercises a good deal of control over how his films are released) has given the personal go-ahead for one of his movies to be released as a Bluray exclusive. And all the Spielberg films on HDDVD were hurriedly withdrawn after announcement. I know CE3K's a Sony release anyway, but everyone remembers how reticent Spielberg and Lucas were about their films being released on DVD, years ago, waiting to see how well the format progressed.

Yeah, I'm starting to think this way too about the Bluray. Speilberg seems to have made a call...

I take it from that promotional poster that the "collectable movie sc**pbook" is only available inside the standard DVD edition?...which is a bummer, as I want to buy the Blu-ray edition which has the extra features...AAAARGGHHH!

As a designer, I too have always hated the fact that the "payoff" main ufo "Mothership" is revealed on the cover...and think these particular covers are very poor and even a bit misleading about the actual look of the Mothership...but then I had always hoped that the new fangled High Definition DVD covers would have the original theatrical poster artwork ( which were usually the best ) on them...wishful thinking which proved not to be the case once they came out. Just as an aside...am I the only one who thinks the RED HD-DVD cases usually look NICER than the BLUE Blu-ray ones?

And finally...although the collector's edition director's cut is great, I look forward to having the re-edited 1980 version with the added on inside of the "Mothership", as I always liked that little bit extra of John Williams' fantastic score included for this scene...

Oh that's quite funny...look what happened when I try to type "sc**pbook" as written on the promotional poster...

Hmm. So Spielberg (who notoriously exercises a good deal of control over how his films are released) has given the personal go-ahead for one of his movies to be released as a Bluray exclusive. And all the Spielberg films on HDDVD were hurriedly withdrawn after announcement. I know CE3K's a Sony release anyway, but everyone remembers how reticent Spielberg and Lucas were about their films being released on DVD, years ago, waiting to see how well the format progressed.

In light of Spielberg allowing a Bluray exclusive release, I think that when it comes to my choice of the Blade Runner set, I'll go for Bluray and accompany it with CE3K. I'm a very nervous DVD owner, with a massive library of films, who wants to upgrade, but has been put off by the format war. I suspect, though, that Spielberg allowing a Bluray exclusive will probably lead to Lucas doing the same for Star Wars.

Sets like Blade Runner are ones where you have to buy the best possible edition. Buying a DVD of that or CE3K in 2007 would be like opting for a VHS box set in 2001 - nice to have but of rapidly diminishing worth.

Have seen both the earlier versions of CE3K, but not the final cut, so really looking forward to this!

Yeah, that's messed up to ruin all these films before whole new generations even have the chance to see them. Bad enough the endings are discussed willy nilly, but this--you can't avoid seeing it unless you blindfold yourself when you pick the thing up!

That said...anyone able to figure out WTF is going on with the packaging for the DVD? the front and back seem to be hanging.. o.O

Clavius wrote: Just like how they keep using the image of Heston kneeling in front of the Statue of LIberty on almost every cover of Planet of the Apes. I mean, that's the money shot right there and it's blown on the cover!!Quote: There ARE some people who haven't seen these films, like my children for instance. When they're old enough to appreciate them, I'd like them to be just as awed as I was.

I never understood that. I agree with you 100%, I can't believe that they put the final scene on the bloody cover. People who've never seen it know the twist right away, and don't bother with it. I don't care how much of an iconic image or universally known it is, you shouldn't put it on there. I was so glad when I got my 35th Anniversary DVD that there was no sight of the Old Girl anywhere on the packaging or discs.

While I personally think that this art works, I understand exactly what you mean, and was expecting the road poster you mentioned.

Something that's bothered me about most CE3K releases is they keep putting the mothership prominently on the front cover.

The reveal of the mothership is what the whole film is leading up to (IMO). When I was a kid, the first shot of the mothership rising above Devil's Tower, silently, with no music, was such a powerful, goosebump-inducing experience. Seems kind of a waste to shoot their wad on the front of the package.

Just like how they keep using the image of Heston kneeling in front of the Statue of LIberty on almost every cover of Planet of the Apes. I mean, that's the money shot right there and it's blown on the cover!!

For CE3K, the classic poster image of the dark highway leading up to Devil's Tower with the eerie glow behind it was enough for me. Or even the pic of little Barry opening the door with the orange glow pouring from it. Use one of those!

There ARE some people who haven't seen these films, like my children for instance. When they're old enough to appreciate them, I'd like them to be just as awed as I was.

I see you are a crazy arse fan for Hard Boiled too.I want that shot on mine!LOL, yeah in my opinion, along with the killer, Hard Boiled is the finest action film ever assembled. Did you manage to get the new Dragon Dynasty 2 disc Ultimate Edition?

I share the same idea.Hard Boiled is the epitome of action cinema.Yes I did buy the Dragon Dynasty disc.The image quality of the movie is the clearest I have ever seen.But they changed the subtitles a little bit and I don't like it.The subtitles just seem dumbed down.In the part where Tequila tells his boss off when he is getting to close.He says "John" instead of "toilet," stuff like that. I still need to watch the bonus disk.I am such a huge fan for Hard Boiled that I even own a poster for it.Hopefully Dragon Dynasty will do more classic Woo films like The Killer and A Better Tomorrow 1 & 2.Still need to see Bullet in the Head.Yeah, I heard about the whole "dubtitles" issue and that is pretty disappointing, but like you mentioned, the picture quality is amazing! I also hope DD releases the other Woo hong Kong actioners- Especially The Killer. A better Tomorrow 1 and 2 definately need a DD release aswell because the current R1 releases from Anchor Bay have definately run their course. The Picture quality is quite poor. You haven't seen Bullet in the Head? Well, your certainly missing out. I suggest getting the R2 2- disc Platinum Edition from Hong Kong Legends off of Ebay if you don't want to wait for an R1 release. It's a great set!

I see you are a crazy arse fan for Hard Boiled too.I want that shot on mine!LOL, yeah in my opinion, along with the killer, Hard Boiled is the finest action film ever assembled. Did you manage to get the new Dragon Dynasty 2 disc Ultimate Edition?

I share the same idea.Hard Boiled is the epitome of action cinema.Yes I did buy the Dragon Dynasty disc.The image quality of the movie is the clearest I have ever seen.But they changed the subtitles a little bit and I don't like it.The subtitles just seem dumbed down.In the part where Tequila tells his boss off when he is getting to close.He says "John" instead of "toilet," stuff like that. I still need to watch the bonus disk.I am such a huge fan for Hard Boiled that I even own a poster for it.Hopefully Dragon Dynasty will do more classic Woo films like The Killer and A Better Tomorrow 1 & 2.Still need to see Bullet in the Head.

I see you are a crazy arse fan for Hard Boiled too.I want that shot on mine!LOL, yeah in my opinion, along with the killer, Hard Boiled is the finest action film ever assembled. Did you manage to get the new Dragon Dynasty 2 disc Ultimate Edition?

YES!!! The old DVD desperately needed a new remastering in my opinion, and now I get all THREE versions with great quality! This (along with the newly announced Blade Runner) is one of the few movies where I would actually take the time to watch more than one version of the movie.

This movie changed my life, truly. No director has touched my soul like Spielberg has, and this is perhaps my favorite film of his.

An isolated score would've been cool (as it's one of John Williams' finest ever), but I really can't complain about this set at all. I must agree, this 4th quarter is gonna leave be broke unless I start saving up!!! I found about the Kubrick sets, Blade Runner, and CEOT3K all in one day . . . . . this is a good day . . . . .

This is one of my all time favourite movies and I own the Collector's Edition, which I am very happy with. I'd love to see the other cut's of the film but I can't afford multiple editions of these movies.

Tough call on this one. Seen each version so many times. All in all a very entertaining movie about ET's cousins visit to Earth. Rather cool visual effects and not a bad plot. The question being, how much will it get played from the collection?

What about the deleted scenes? the other dvd has 11 deleted scenes and the Criterion Laser had a few others that where not on the dvd. Don't use the word Ultimate unless you release all the stuff from previous releases

I don't find this dated at all, I mean, what? Pinocchio at a theatre? Why not watch the DVD? I'd argue that this is pretty timeless. Yeah, some of the technology used is dated, but that never detracts from the film itself.

Hmm, I almost wish I hadn't found the 2 disc for $10 2 years ago, because I dunno if I can justify buying it again, despite the new cut included.

For the Very First Time, All Three Versions to Be Released on DVD and High Definition Blu-rayTM Multi-Disc Sets November 13th

Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed classic, will be released on Blu-ray Disc and standard DVD in multi-disc sets as Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition on November 13th by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of this motion picture, which Gene Shalit called “one of the most spectacular movies ever made,” the set incorporates all three versions of the film, including the first-ever home video release of the 1977 Original Theatrical edition, as well as the re-edited 1980 theatrical Special Edition and Spielberg’s definitive Director’s Cut (released in 1998 as the Collector’s Edition). Bonus material on the 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition includes a never-before-seen interview with Spielberg created specifically for this release, a retrospective documentary and more.

The stunning high definition presentation of Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition contains all three cinematic versions on just one 50 GB Blu-ray Disc, with bonus material included on a second disc, and is made possible by new breakthroughs in home entertainment technology. This marks the first classic Spielberg film ever to be released on a pre-recorded high definition disc format.

A legendary film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind was nominated for eight Academy Awards.1 Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws) has the starring role of electrical lineman Roy Neary, as he sets out to investigate a mysterious power outage and experiences a life-changing “close encounter.”

The Original Theatrical version of Close Encounters of the Third Kind was released on screens in 1977 and was never available on home video. Spielberg released a re-edited Special Edition theatrically and on VHS in 1980 wherein he deleted several smaller scenes and added other sequences including scenes of Dreyfuss inside the alien mother ship at the end of the film. In 1998, the Collector’s Edition was released on home video with a limited theatrical run and featured Spielberg’s definitive director’s cut with changes, some small and subtle, as well as a change eliminating the interior mother ship scenes from the end of the Special Edition, thus restoring the original ending. The Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition is the first collection to include all three versions of the film.

The Blu-ray release provides for all three versions of Close Encounters of the Third Kind to be included on one 50GB disc through a process known as “seamless branching,” made possible with the added interactivity of Blu-ray’s software and the robust processing power of the second generation players. This process identifies the differences between each version of the film and segments the footage accordingly. These segments are then encoded and assembled into three unique playlists, thus allowing footage used in all three films to be included on the Blu-ray disc only once. Based on the viewer’s selection of the Original Version, Special Edition or definitive Director’s Cut, each film will be presented seamlessly in its original form by use of its respective playlist.

Both the Blu-ray and the DVD of Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition are packed with bonus features, including an exclusive interview with Spielberg and a Close Encounters of the Third Kind Retrospective Documentary.

Available only with the Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition high definition Blu-ray Disc, are additional bonus features including all-new “Storyboard-to-Scene Comparisons,” the original 1977 “Watch The Skies” featurette and an original theatrical preview.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition will be available November 13, 2007 -- nearly 30 years to the day after its original theatrical release -- on Blu-ray Disc for $49.95 or DVD for $39.95.

Synopsis: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Electrical lineman Roy Neary (Dreyfuss) is one of several people who experience a close encounter of the first kind, witnessing UFOs flying through the night sky. He is subsequently haunted by a mountain-like image and becomes obsessed with discovering what it represents, much to the dismay of his family. Meanwhile, government agents around the world have close encounters of the second kind, discovering physical evidence of extraterrestrial visitors in the form of lost fighter aircraft from World War II and a stranded military ship that disappeared decades earlier, only to suddenly reappear in the Sonora and Gobi Desert. Roy and the agents then follow the clues they have been given to reach a site where they will have a close encounter of the third kind: contact.

Blu-ray Disc Bonus Features Include:

All New Interview with Steven Spielberg on Close Encounters of the Third Kind

All New “Storyboard to Scene Comparisons”

Close Encounters of the Third Kind Retrospective Documentary

The Original 1977 “Watch the Skies” Featurette

Original Theatrical Preview

DVD Bonus Features Include:

All New Interview with Steven Spielberg on Close Encounters of the Third Kind

“Making Of Close Encounters of the Third Kind” Retrospective Documentary